U.S. patent application number 16/197219 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-23 for image forming device, multifunction peripheral, and control method of image forming device.
The applicant listed for this patent is SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to NOBUYUKI UEDA.
Application Number | 20190158680 16/197219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66532608 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190158680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
UEDA; NOBUYUKI |
May 23, 2019 |
IMAGE FORMING DEVICE, MULTIFUNCTION PERIPHERAL, AND CONTROL METHOD
OF IMAGE FORMING DEVICE
Abstract
Included is a print permitting/forbidding control unit
configured to decide actual permitting/forbidding regarding
printing regarding each of sheet feed trays, based on any one of,
or a combination of any two or more of, settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet feed tray,
setting's of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each
sheet size, and settings of permitting/forbidding printing with
regard to each sheet type. At least part of settings used by the
print permitting/forbidding control unit to decide actual
permitting/forbidding regarding printing, out of the settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet feed tray,
settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each
sheet size, and settings of permitting/forbidding printing with
regard to each sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
Inventors: |
UEDA; NOBUYUKI; (Sakai City,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Sakai City |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
66532608 |
Appl. No.: |
16/197219 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00779 20130101;
H04N 1/00697 20130101; H04N 1/00724 20130101; H04N 1/0048
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 1/00 20060101
H04N001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 20, 2017 |
JP |
2017-222859 |
Claims
1. An image forming device, comprising: a print
permitting/forbidding control unit configured to decide actual
permitting/forbidding regarding printing regarding each of sheet
feed trays, based on any one of, or a combination of any two or
more of, settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to
each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding printing
with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet type,
wherein at least part of settings used by the print
permitting/forbidding control unit to decide actual
permitting/forbidding regarding printing, out of the settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet feed tray,
settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each
sheet size, and settings of permitting/forbidding printing with
regard to each sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
2. The image forming device according to claim 1, wherein, in a
case of deciding actual permitting/forbidding regarding printing,
based on a combination of any two or more of the settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet feed tray,
settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each
sheet size, and settings of permitting/forbidding printing with
regard to each sheet type, the print permitting/forbidding control
unit decides to permit actual printing if all of the settings used
for deciding are set to permitting.
3. The image forming device according to claim 1, wherein,
regarding sheets of an original sheet type, settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to the original sheet
type are used instead of both the settings of permitting/forbidding
printing with regard to each sheet size and settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet type.
4. The image forming device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a sheet feed tray open/close permitting/forbidding
control unit configured to decide actual permitting/forbidding
regarding sheet feed tray open/close regarding each of sheet feed
trays, based on any one of, or a combination of any two or more of,
settings of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard
to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type, wherein at least part of settings used by the sheet
feed tray open/close permitting/forbidding control unit to decide
actual permitting/forbidding regarding tray opening/closing, out of
the settings of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with
regard to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding
tray opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings
of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
5. The image forming device according to claim 4, wherein, in a
case of deciding actual permitting/forbidding regarding tray
opening/closing, based on a combination of any two or more of the
settings of permitting/forbidding tray opening closing with regard
to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type, the sheet feed tray open/close permitting/forbidding
control unit decides to permit actual sheet feed tray open/close if
all of the settings used for deciding are set to permitting.
6. The image forming device according to claim 4, wherein,
regarding sheets of an original sheet type, settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to the
original sheet type are used instead of both the settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet size and settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet type.
7. The image forming device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a display control unit configured to control whether or
not to display, on a screen displaying trays, a size of a sheet
assigned to a certain tray, based on whether or not permission for
actual printing has been decided and whether or not permission for
actual sheet feed tray open/close has been decided for each
tray.
8. The image forming device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a display control unit configured to display, in a
sheet size selecting screen, a display for a sheet size regarding
which permission to print has been decided, enabling the sheet size
to be selected, and displaying a display for a sheet size regarding
which forbidding to print has been decided, not enabling the sheet
size to be selected.
9. The image forming device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a display control unit configured to display, in a
sheet type selecting screen, a display for a sheet type regarding
which permission to print has been decided, enabling the sheet type
to be selected, and displaying a display for a sheet type regarding
which forbidding to print has been decided, not enabling the sheet
type to be selected.
10. An image forming device, comprising: a sheet feed tray
open/close permitting/forbidding control unit configured to decide
actual permitting/forbidding regarding sheet feed tray open/close
regarding each of sheet feed trays, based on any one of, or a
combination of any two or more of, settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type, wherein at least part of settings used by the sheet
feed tray open close permitting/forbidding control unit to decide
actual permitting/forbidding regarding tray opening/closing, out of
the settings of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with
regard to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding
tray opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings
of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
11. The image forming device according to claim 10, wherein, in a
case of deciding actual permitting/forbidding regarding tray
opening/closing, based on a combination of any two or more of the
settings of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard
to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type, the sheet feed tray open/close permitting/forbidding
control unit decides to permit actual sheet feed tray open/close if
all of the settings used for deciding are set to permitting.
12. The image forming device according to claim 10, wherein,
regarding sheets of an original sheet type, settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to the
original sheet type are used instead of both the settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet size and settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet type.
13. A multifunction peripheral, comprising: the image forming
device according to claim 1.
14. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, storing a
program causing a computer to function as the image forming device
according to claim 1.
15. A control method of an image forming device, the method
comprising: controlling of print permitting/forbidding, in which is
decided actual permitting/forbidding regarding printing regarding
each of sheet feed trays, based on any one of, or a combination of
any two or more of, settings of permitting forbidding printing with
regard to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding
printing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of permitting
forbidding printing with regard to each sheet type, wherein at
least part of settings used in the controlling of print
permitting/forbidding to decide actual permitting/forbidding
regarding printing, out of the settings of permitting/forbidding
printing with regard to each sheet feed tray, settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet size, and
settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each
sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
16. A control method of an image forming device, the method
comprising: controlling of sheet feed tray open/close
permitting/forbidding, in which is decided actual permitting
forbidding regarding sheet feed tray open/close regarding each of
sheet feed trays, based on any one of, or a combination of any two
or more of, settings of permitting forbidding tray opening closing
with regard to each sheet feed tray, settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet size, and settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet type, wherein at least
part of settings used in the controlling of sheet feed tray
open/close permitting/forbidding control unit to decide actual
permitting/forbidding regarding tray opening closing, out of the
settings of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard
to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming device, a
multifunction peripheral, and a control method of the image forming
device.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Multifunction peripherals have one or more sheet feed trays
(hereinafter may also be referred to simply as "tray"), with sheets
selected by a user being loaded on the sheet feed trays.
[0003] If multifunction peripherals were used simply to perform
normal printing on normal sheets, there might be no call for
increased security regarding sheets. However, if high-grade sheets
are left in a tray, for example, in a state where anybody can
print, one night inadvertently print on high-grade sheets even
though normal sheets would have sufficed. One might also remove the
high-grade sheets from the tray. Further, one might load normal
sheets on a tray designated for high-grade sheets. Moreover, one
might inadvertently load high-grade sheets in a tray for normal
sheets, instead of the intended tray designated for high-grade
sheets.
[0004] Further, a situation can be assumed where different
divisions in a corporation or the like all use normal sheets, but
different trays are used by different divisions, according to
operation rules. However, the rules may go unkept if the
multifunction peripheral does not actually have functions
corresponding to the rules. In a case where each division has a
budget regarding sheets, and sheets of one division are used by
another division, or sheets are removed from the tray for purposes
other than printing, operations will not proceed according to
budget. If a person from one division inadvertently supplies sheets
to a tray for another division while intending to supply sheets to
a tray for their own division, this amounts to a loss for the own
division.
[0005] There have been multifunction peripherals with lockable
sheet feed trays, to prevent expensive sheets (postage-prepaid
postcards and so forth) set in the sheet feed trays from being
stolen, but only a user having a key for the lock was able to
open/close the sheet feed trays. This also has been insufficient
from the perspective of security, since sheets could be fed from
the sheet feed trays even when locked.
[0006] Further, even if opening/closing of particular sheet feed
trays, and printing using the sheets in those sheet feed trays, is
forbidden, if a display screen displays sheet sizes for expensive
sheet in the sheet feed trays, a third party would be able to tell
where the expensive sheets are located. This also has been
insufficient from a security perspective.
[0007] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2015-174756 discloses a multifunction peripheral where locked sheet
feed trays can be unlocked even by those other than a manager when
the remaining amount of sheets falls below a predetermined amount.
However, this is problematic from a security perspective.
[0008] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2015-182443 discloses a multifunction peripheral having a function
of selectively locking/unlocking sheet feed trays. However, the
user has to comprehend what sort of sheets are loaded on which
trays in order to effectively use this function.
[0009] Accordingly, it is desirable to manage loading of sheets on
trays, removing of sheets from trays, and what type of sheets
loaded on which trays are to be used for printing, per user or
division. It is also desirable to thereby increase security
relating to sheets and proactively prevent economic loss.
[0010] It is desirable to provide an image forming device, a
multifunction peripheral, and a control method of the image forming
device, enabling control to improve security regarding sheets.
SUMMARY
[0011] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided
an image forming device including a print permitting/forbidding
control unit configured to decide actual permitting/forbidding
regarding printing regarding each of sheet feed trays, based on any
one of, or a combination of any two or more of, settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet feed tray,
settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each
sheet size, and settings of permitting/forbidding printing with
regard to each sheet type. At least part of settings used by the
print permitting/forbidding control unit to decide actual
permitting/forbidding regarding printing, out of the settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet feed tray,
settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each
sheet size, and settings of permitting/forbidding printing with
regard to each sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
[0012] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided
an image forming device including a sheet feed tray open/close
permitting/forbidding control unit configured to decide actual
permitting/forbidding regarding sheet feed tray open/close
regarding each of sheet feed trays, based on any one of, or a
combination of any two or more of, settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type. At least part of settings used by the sheet feed tray
open/close permitting/forbidding control unit to decide actual
permitting/forbidding regarding tray opening/closing, out of the
settings of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard
to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
[0013] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided
a multifunction peripheral including the aforementioned image
forming device.
[0014] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided
a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, storing a
program causing a computer to function as the aforementioned image
forming device.
[0015] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided
a control method of an image forming device. The method includes
controlling of print permitting/forbidding, in which is decided
actual permitting/forbidding regarding printing regarding each of
sheet feed trays, based on any one of, or a combination of any two
or more of, settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard
to each sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding printing
with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet type. At
least part of settings used in the controlling of print
permitting/forbidding to decide actual permitting/forbidding
regarding printing, out of the settings of permitting/forbidding
printing with regard to each sheet feed tray, settings of
permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each sheet size, and
settings of permitting/forbidding printing with regard to each
sheet type, can be made to differ for each user.
[0016] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided
a control method of an image forming device. The method includes
controlling of sheet feed tray open/close permitting/forbidding, in
which is decided actual permitting/forbidding regarding sheet feed
tray open/close regarding each of sheet feed trays, based on any
one of, or a combination of any two or more of, settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet feed tray, settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet size, and settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet type. At least part of settings used in the controlling of
sheet feed tray open/close permitting/forbidding control unit to
decide actual permitting/forbidding regarding tray opening/closing,
out of the settings of permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing
with regard to each sheet feed tray, settings of
permitting/forbidding tray opening/closing with regard to each
sheet size, and settings of permitting/forbidding tray
opening/closing with regard to each sheet type, can be made to
differ for each user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a screen for setting
whether or not to impart each user with authority to open/close
trays and authority to print, in a common embodiment according to
the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a screen for setting
whether or not to impart each user with authority to open/close
trays and authority to print, per each tray, in a common embodiment
according to the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating a screen for setting
whether or not to impart each user with authority to open/close
trays and authority to print, per each sheet type, in a common
embodiment according to the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 1D is a diagram illustrating a screen for setting
whether or not to impart each user with authority to open/close
trays and authority to print, per each sheet size, in a common
embodiment according to the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 1F is a diagram illustrating a screen for setting
whether or not to impart each user with authority to open/close
trays and authority to print, per each original sheet type, in a
common embodiment according to the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print, for a certain user, according to a
first embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 2B is a table illustrating types and sizes of sheets
loaded on trays, according to the first embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2C is a table illustrating final tray open/close
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the first
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 2D is a table illustrating final print
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the first
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0026] FIG. 2F is a table illustrating sheet size displayed on a
screen for each tray, according to the first embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 3A is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print, for a certain user, according to a
second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 3B is a table illustrating types and sizes of sheets
loaded on trays, according to the second embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 3C is a table illustrating final tray open/close
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the second
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 3D is a table illustrating final print
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the second
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 3E is a table illustrating sheet size displayed on a
screen for each tray, according to the second embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 4A is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print, for a certain user, according to a
third embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 4B is a table illustrating types and sizes of sheets
loaded on trays, according to the third embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 4C is a table illustrating final tray open/close
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the third
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 4D is a table illustrating final print
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the third
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 4E is a table illustrating sheet size displayed on a
screen for each tray, according to the third embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 5A is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each sheet size, for a certain
user, according to a fourth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 5B is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each sheet type, for a certain
user, according to the fourth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 5C is a table illustrating types and sizes of sheets
loaded on trays, according to the fourth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 5D is a table illustrating final tray open/close
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the fourth
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 5E is a table illustrating final print
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the fourth
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 5F is a table illustrating sheet size displayed on a
screen for each tray, according to the fourth embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 6A is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each sheet size, for a certain
user, according to a fifth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 6B is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each sheet type, for a certain
user, according to the fifth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 6C is a table illustrating types and sizes of sheets
loaded on trays, according to the fifth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 6D is a table illustrating final tray open/close
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the fifth
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 6E is a table illustrating final print
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the fifth
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 6F is a table illustrating sheet size displayed on a
screen for each tray, according to the fifth embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 7A is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each sheet size, for a certain
user, according to a sixth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 7B is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each sheet type, for a certain
user, according to the sixth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 7C is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each tray, for a certain user,
according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0052] FIG. 7D is a table illustrating types and sizes or sheets
loaded on trays, according to the sixth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0053] FIG. 7E is a table illustrating final tray open/close
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the sixth
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 7F is a table illustrating final print
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the sixth
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 7G is a table illustrating sheet size displayed on a
screen for each tray, according to the sixth embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0056] FIG. 8A is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each sheet size, for a certain
user, according to a seventh embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0057] FIG. 8B is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each sheet type, for a certain
user, according to the seventh embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 8C is a table illustrating authority to open/close
trays and authority to print per each tray, for a certain user,
according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0059] FIG. 8D is a table illustrating types and sizes of sheets
loaded on trays, according to the seventh embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 8E is a table illustrating final tray open/close
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the seventh
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 8F is a table illustrating final print
permission/forbidding for each tray, according to the seventh
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0062] FIG. 8G is a table illustrating sheet size displayed on a
screen for each tray, according to the seventh embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0063] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of sheet sizes
being displayed on an operating screen for all trays, according to
a common embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of sheet sizes
being displayed on an operating screen for all trays excluding one
tray, according to a common embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 11A is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a user logs in, according to a common
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0066] FIG. 11B is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a tray open/close button is pressed,
according to a common embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 11C is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a print request is received,
according to a common embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0068] FIG. 12A is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a user logs in, according to the
first embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0069] FIG. 12B is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a tray open/close button provided to
each tray is pressed, according to the first embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0070] FIG. 12C is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a print request is received,
according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0071] FIG. 13A is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a user logs in, according to the
second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0072] FIG. 13B is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a tray open/close button provided to
each tray is pressed, according to the second embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0073] FIG. 13C is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a print request is received,
according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0074] FIG. 14A is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a user logs in, according to the
third embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0075] FIG. 14B is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a tray open/close button provided to
each tray is pressed, according to the third embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0076] FIG. 14C is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a print request is received,
according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0077] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a user logs in, according to the
fourth and fifth embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0078] FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing operations of a
multifunction peripheral when a user logs in, according to the
sixth and seventh embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0079] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for describing operation of
controlling a screen display of sheet sizes of trays according to a
common embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0080] FIG. 18 is a conceptual cross-sectional diagram of a
multifunction peripheral according to a common embodiment of the
present disclosure; and
[0081] FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction
peripheral according to a common embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0082] Embodiments for carrying out the disclosure will be
described in detail below with reference to the drawings.
Common Embodiment
[0083] In a first embodiment, a multifunction peripheral has a
mechanism where opening and closing of trays can be electronically
locked. The multifunction peripheral also has a function where
sizes and types of sheets loaded on trays can be detected or input.
The multifunction peripheral further has a function where a user is
not able to use the multifunction peripheral without performing
user authentication.
[0084] A manager or the like sets whether or not to impart each
user with authority to open/close trays and authority to print,
using a screen such as that illustrated in FIG. 1A. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 1A, Taro Yamada is set to have authority to
open/close trays and authority to print, while Hanako Yamada has
neither authority to open/close trays nor authority to print. The
authority set in FIG. 1A is stored in an authority table for each
user. User IDs and each authority are stored in the authority table
in a correlated manner.
[0085] The manager or the like also sets whether or not to impart
authority to open/close trays and authority to print, for each
user, using a screen such as that illustrated in FIG. 1B. In the
example in FIG. 1B, the user that is the object of the settings is
imparted with authority to open/close tray #1 and authority to
print using sheets in tray #1, but is not authorized in this way
regarding other trays. Note that arrangements are not restricted to
such authority being directly applied, and there are cases where
final authority may be decided according to combinations with other
types of authority, which will be described later.
[0086] The manager or the like further sets whether or not to
impart authority to open/close trays and authority to print per
each sheet type, for each user, using a screen such as that
illustrated in FIG. 1C. In the example in FIG. 1C, the user that is
the object of the settings is imparted with authority to open/close
trays corresponding to plain paper and authority to print using
plain paper, and further is imparted with authority to open/close
trays corresponding to glossy paper. Note that arrangements are not
restricted to such authority being directly applied, and there are
cases where final authority may be decided according to
combinations with other types of authority, which will be described
later.
[0087] The manager or the like further sets whether or not to
impart authority to open/close trays and authority to print per
each sheet size, for each user, using a screen such as that
illustrated in FIG. 1D. In the example in FIG. 1D, the user that is
the object of the settings is imparted with authority to open/close
trays corresponding to A4 size sheets and authority to print using
A4 size sheets, and further is imparted with authority to
open/close trays corresponding to postcard size sheets. Note that
arrangements are not restricted to such authority being directly
applied, and there are cases where final authority is decided
according to combinations with other types of authority, which will
be described later.
[0088] The manager or the like moreover sets whether or not to
impart authority to open/close trays and authority to print per
original sheet type, for each user, using a screen such as that
illustrated in FIG. 1E. In the example in FIG. 1E, the user that is
the object of the settings is imparted with authority to open/close
trays corresponding to an original sheet type named "custom sheet",
but is not authorized to print using sheets of this type. Note that
arrangements are not restricted to such authority being directly
applied, and there are cases where final authority may be decided
according to combinations with other types of authority, which will
be described later.
First Embodiment
[0089] With reference to FIGS. 2A through 2E, when deciding final
authority by tray-related authority alone, in a case where there
are settings of authority regarding trays such as illustrated in
FIG. 2A, and sheets distinguished by type and size are loaded on
the trays as illustrated in FIG. 2B, tray open/close authority is
decided as illustrated in FIG. 2C, and printing authority is
decided as illustrated in FIG. 2D. A screen display for sheet sizes
is also decided, as illustrated in FIG. 2E. The sheet size
regarding which display has been decided is displayed overlaid on
the tray portion of the multifunction peripheral in the operating
screen. Note that a sheet size decided to be printable is displayed
in a selectable manner in the sheet size selection screen,
regardless of whether there is tray open/close authority or
not.
[0090] The tray open/close authority directly set to the tray is
set as the final tray open/close authority for the tray, as
illustrated in FIG. 2C. Also, the print authority directly set to
the tray is set as the final print authority for the tray, as
illustrated in FIG. 2D. Further, the size of sheets loaded on a
tray that can be opened/closed and can be printed from is displayed
overlaid on that tray, as illustrated in FIG. 2E. Moreover, the
size of sheets loaded on a tray that can be printed from is
selectable, regardless of whether that tray can be
opened/closed.
[0091] For example, sheets that are heavy paper regarding type and
A4 regarding size are loaded on the tray #1, and tray open/close
authority is imparted regarding the tray #1 and print authority
also is imparted in the table in FIG. 2A, so tray open/close is
permitted as illustrated in FIG. 2C for the tray #1, and printing
is permitted as illustrated in FIG. 2D. A screen display of sheet
size A4 loaded on this tray is overlaid on the tray #1 portion, as
illustrated in FIG. 2E. Further, the sheet size A4 is selectable in
the sheet selection screen.
[0092] Also for example, sheets that are heavy paper regarding type
and B5 regarding size are loaded on the tray #3, and tray
open/close authority is not imparted regarding the tray #3 and
neither is print authority imparted in the table in FIG. 2A, so
tray open/close is forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 2C for the tray
#3, and printing is forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 2D. A screen
display of sheet size B5 loaded on this tray is not overlaid on the
tray #3 portion, as illustrated in FIG. 2E. Further, the sheet size
B5 is not selectable in the sheet selection screen, if not
selectable with regard to another tray.
Second Embodiment
[0093] With reference to FIGS. 3A through 3E, when deciding final
authority by authority related to sheet type alone, in a case where
there are settings of authority such as illustrated in FIG. 3A, and
sheets distinguished by type and size are loaded on the trays as
illustrated in FIG. 3B, tray open/close authority is decided as
illustrated in FIG. 3C, and printing authority is decided as
illustrated in FIG. 3D. A screen display for sheet sizes is also
decided, as illustrated in FIG. 3E. Note that a sheet size decided
to be displayed is displayed overlaid on a tray portion of the
multifunction peripheral in the operating screen. Also, a sheet
size decided to be printable is displayed in a selectable manner in
the sheet size selection screen, regardless of whether there is
tray open/close authority or not.
[0094] The tray open/close authority directly set to the type of
sheets loaded on the tray is set as the final tray open/close
authority for the tray, as illustrated in FIG. 30. Also, the print
authority directly set to the type of sheets loaded on the tray is
set as the final print authority for the tray, as illustrated in
FIG. 3D, Further, the size of sheets loaded on a tray set to be
able to be opened/closed and to be able to be printed from is
displayed overlaid on that tray, as illustrated in FIG. 3E.
Moreover, the size of sheets loaded on a tray that can be printed
from is selectable, regardless of whether that tray can be
opened/closed.
[0095] For example, sheets that are heavy paper regarding type and
A4 regarding size are loaded on the tray #1, and tray open/close
authority is imparted regarding sheets that are heavy paper in type
loaded on the tray #1 and print authority also is imparted thereto
in the table in FIG. 3A, so tray open/close is permitted as
illustrated in FIG. 3C for the tray #1, and printing is permitted
as illustrated in FIG. 3D. A screen display of sheet size A4 loaded
on this tray is overlaid on the tray #1 portion, as illustrated in
FIG. 3E. Further, the sheet size A4 is selectable in the sheet
selection screen.
[0096] Also for example, sheets that are glossy paper regarding
type and A4 regarding size are loaded on the tray #5, and tray
open/close authority is not imparted regarding the tray #5 but
print authority is imparted in the table in FIG. 3A, so tray
open/close is forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 3C but printing is
permitted as illustrated in FIG. 3D. A screen display of sheet size
A4 loaded on this tray is overlaid on the tray #1 portion, as
illustrated in FIG. 3E. Further, the sheet size A4 is selectable in
the sheet selection screen.
Third Embodiment
[0097] With reference to FIGS. 4A through 4E, when deciding final
authority by authority related to sheet size alone, in a case where
there are settings of authority such as illustrated in FIG. 4A, and
sheets distinguished by type and size are loaded on the trays as
illustrated in FIG. 4B, tray open/close authority is decided as
illustrated in FIG. 4C, and printing authority is decided as
illustrated in FIG. 4D. A screen display for sheet sizes is also
decided, as illustrated in FIG. 4E. Note that a sheet size decided
to be displayed is displayed overlaid on a tray portion of the
multifunction peripheral in the operating screen. Also, a sheet
size decided to be printable is displayed in a selectable manner in
the sheet size selection screen, regardless of whether there is
tray open/close authority or not.
[0098] The tray open/close authority directly set to the size of
sheets loaded on the tray is set as the final tray open/close
authority for the tray, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. Also, the print
authority directly set to the size of sheets loaded on the tray is
set as the final print authority for the tray, as illustrated in
FIG. 4D. Further, the size of sheets loaded on a tray that is set
to be able to be opened/closed and can be printed from is displayed
overlaid on that tray, as illustrated in FIG. 4E. Moreover, the
size of sheets loaded on a tray that can be printed from is
selectable, regardless of whether that tray can be
opened/closed.
[0099] For example, sheets that are heavy paper regarding type and
A4 regarding size are loaded on the tray #1, and tray open/close
authority is imparted regarding sheets of which the sheet size is
A4 loaded on the tray #1 and print authority also is imparted
thereto in the table in FIG. 4A, so tray open/close is permitted as
illustrated in FIG. 4C for the tray #1, and printing is permitted
as illustrated in FIG. 4D. A screen display of sheet size A4 loaded
on this tray is overlaid on the tray #1 portion, as illustrated in
FIG. 4E. Further, the sheet size A4 is selectable in the sheet
selection screen.
[0100] Also for example, sheets that are plain paper regarding type
and A4R regarding size are loaded on the tray #4, and tray
open/close authority is not imparted regarding A4R that is the
sheet size of the sheets loaded on the tray #4 and neither is print
authority imparted in the table in FIG. 4A, so tray open/close is
forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 4C and printing is forbidden as
illustrated in FIG. 4D. A screen display of sheet size A4R loaded
on this tray is not overlaid on the tray #4 portion, as illustrated
in FIG. 4E. Further, the sheet size A4R is not selectable in the
sheet selection screen, if not selectable with regard to another
tray.
Fourth Embodiment
[0101] With reference to FIGS. 5A through 5F, when deciding final
authority by a combination of sheet type related authority and
sheet size related authority (i.e., in a case where authority is
imparted only in a case where both authorities have been imparted,
although this is not restrictive), in a case where there are
settings of authority regarding sheet size and sheet type such as
illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and sheets distinguished by type
and size are loaded on the trays as illustrated in FIG. 5C, an
arrangement may be made where tray open/close authority is decided
as illustrated in FIG. 5D, and printing authority is decided as
illustrated in FIG. 5E. A screen display for sheet sizes is also
decided, as illustrated in FIG. 5F. Also, sheet sizes displayed
overlaid on a tray in FIG. 5F are displayed as selectable sheet
sizes in the sheet size selection screen.
[0102] Settings may be made such that final authority regarding
tray opening/closing of a tray is imparted in a case where both of
the tray open/close authority set to the type of sheets loaded on
the tray and the tray open/close authority set to the size of
sheets loaded on the tray are imparted, as illustrated in FIG. 5D.
Note that this is not restrictive, however, and that an arrangement
may be made where final tray open/close authority is imparted in a
case where one or the other is imparted. Also, settings may be made
such that final authority for printing regarding a tray is imparted
in a case where both of the print authority set to the type of
sheets loaded on the tray and the print authority set to the size
of sheets loaded on the tray are imparted, as illustrated in FIG.
5E. Note that this is not restrictive, however, and that an
arrangement may be made where final printing authority is imparted
in a case where one or the other is imparted. Further, the size of
sheets loaded on a tray that can be opened/closed and can be
printed from is displayed overlaid on that tray, as illustrated in
FIG. 5F. Moreover, the size of sheets loaded on a tray that can be
printed from is selectable, regardless of whether that tray can be
opened/closed.
[0103] For example, sheets that are heavy paper regarding type and
A4 regarding size are loaded on the tray #1, and tray open/close
authority is imparted regarding sheets that are heavy paper in type
loaded on the tray #1 and print authority also is imparted thereto
in the table in FIG. 5A, so tray open/close authority is imparted
with regard to heavy paper than the is the sheet type of sheets
loaded on the tray #1, and printing authority also is imparted
thereto. Accordingly, tray open/close is permitted as illustrated
in FIG. 5D for the tray #1, and printing is permitted as
illustrated in FIG. F. A screen display of sheet size A4 loaded on
this tray is overlaid on the tray #1 portion, as illustrated in
FIG. 5F. Further, the sheet size A4 is selectable in the sheet
selection screen.
[0104] Also for example, sheets that are plain paper regarding type
and A4R regarding size are loaded on the tray #4, and neither tray
open/close authority nor print authority is imparted regarding A4R
that is the sheet size loaded on the tray #4 in the table in FIG.
5A, while tray open/close authority and print authority are
imparted to plain paper of the sheet type loaded on tray #2, so
tray open/close of the tray #4 is forbidden as illustrated in FIG.
5D and printing is also forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 5E. A
screen display of sheet size A4R loaded on tray #4 is not made, as
illustrated in FIG. 5F. Further, the sheet size A4R is selectable
in the sheet selection screen.
Fifth Embodiment
[0105] FIGS. 6A through 6F illustrate a case where, with regard to
trays on which sheets of an original sheet type are loaded, final
decision of authority is made by authority related to the original
sheet type alone. In a case where there are settings of authority
regarding sheet size and sheet type such as illustrated in FIGS. 6A
and 6B (and particularly there are settings of authority such as
illustrated in FIG. 6B regarding the original sheet type), and
sheets distinguished by type and size are loaded on the trays as
illustrated in FIG. 6C, an arrangement may be made where tray
open/close authority is decided as illustrated in FIG. 6D, and
printing authority is decided as illustrated in FIG. 6E. A screen
display for sheet sizes is also decided, as illustrated in FIG. 6F.
Also, a sheet size decided to be displayed is displayed overlaid on
a tray portion of the multifunction peripheral in the operating
screen. Also, a sheet size decided to be printable is displayed in
a selectable manner in the sheet size selection screen, regardless
of whether there is tray open/close authority or not.
[0106] Settings are made such that final authority regarding tray
opening/closing of a tray is imparted in a case where both of the
tray open/close authority directly set to the type of sheets loaded
on the tray and the tray open/close authority set to the size of
sheets loaded on the tray are imparted, as illustrated in FIG. 6D.
Note that this is not restrictive, however, and that an arrangement
may be made where final tray open/close authority is imparted in a
case where one or the other is imparted. Also, settings are made
such that final authority for printing regarding a tray is imparted
in a case where both of the print authority directly set to the
type of sheets loaded on the tray and the print authority set to
the size of sheets loaded on the tray are imparted, as illustrated
in FIG. 6E. Note that this is not restrictive, however, and that an
arrangement may be made where final printing authority is imparted
in a case where one or the other is imparted. Further, the size of
sheets loaded on a tray that can be opened/closed and can be
printed from is displayed overlaid on that tray, as illustrated in
FIG. 6F. Moreover, the size of sheets loaded on a tray that can be
printed from is selectable, regardless of whether that tray can be
opened/closed.
[0107] Further, in a case where the type of a sheet loaded on a
tray is an original sheet type, tray open/close authority directly
set regarding the type of the sheet loaded on the tray may be the
final tray open/close authority for the tray, as illustrated in
FIG. 6D. Moreover, in a case where the type of a sheet loaded on a
tray is an original sheet type, print authority directly set
regarding the type of the sheet loaded on the tray may be the final
print authority for the tray, as illustrated in FIG. 6E.
[0108] For example, sheets that are original #1 regarding sheet
type are loaded on the tray #2, and tray open/close authority is
imparted regarding sheets that are original #1 loaded on the tray
#2 and print authority also is imparted thereto in the table in
FIG. 6B, so tray open/close is permitted as illustrated in FIG. 6D
for the tray #1, and printing is permitted as illustrated in FIG.
6E. A screen display of original #1 loaded on this tray is overlaid
on the tray #2 portion, as illustrated in FIG. 6F. Further, the
sheet type original #1 is selectable in the sheet type selection
screen.
[0109] Also for example, sheets that are original #2 regarding
sheet type are loaded on the tray #3, and neither tray open/close
authority nor print authority is imparted regarding the original #2
loaded on the tray #3 in the table in FIG. 6B, so tray open/close
is forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 6D and printing is also
forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 6E. An overlaid screen display of
original #2 loaded here is not made, as illustrated in FIG. 6F.
Further, the sheet type original #2 is not selectable in the sheet
selection screen, if not selectable with regard to another
tray.
Sixth Embodiment
[0110] With reference to FIGS. 7A through 7G, when deciding final
authority by a combination of the three of authority assigned to
trays, authority related to sheet type, and authority related to
sheet size (i.e., in a case where authority is imparted only in a
case where all three authorities have been imparted, although this
is not restrictive), in a case where there are settings of
authority such as illustrated in FIGS. 7A through 7C, and sheets
distinguished by type and size are loaded on the trays as
illustrated in FIG. 7D, an arrangement may be made where tray
open/close authority is decided as illustrated in FIG. 7E, and
printing authority is decided as illustrated in FIG. 7F. A screen
display for sheet sizes is also decided, as illustrated in FIG. 7G.
Also, sheet sizes displayed overlaid on a tray in FIG. 7G are
displayed as selectable sheet sizes in the sheet size selection
screen.
[0111] Settings may be made such that final authority regarding
tray opening/closing of a tray is imparted in a case where all of
the tray open/close authority directly set to the tray, the tray
open/close authority set to the type of sheets loaded on the tray,
and the tray open/close authority set to the size of sheets loaded
on the tray are imparted, as illustrated in FIG. 7E. Note that this
is not restrictive, however, and that an arrangement may be made
where final tray open/close authority is imparted in a case where
one or two thereof is imparted. Also, settings may be made such
that final authority for printing regarding a tray is imparted in a
case where all of the printing authority directly set to the tray,
the printing authority directly set to the type of sheets loaded on
the tray, and the printing authority set to the size of sheets
loaded on the tray are imparted, as illustrated in FIG. 7F. Note
that this is not restrictive, however, and that an arrangement may
be made where final printing authority is imparted in a case where
one or two thereof is imparted. Further, the size of sheets loaded
on a tray that can be opened/closed and can be printed from is
displayed overlaid on that tray, as illustrated in FIG. 7G.
Moreover, the size of sheets loaded on a tray that can be printed
from is selectable, regardless of whether that tray can be
opened/closed.
[0112] For example, sheets that are heavy paper regarding type and
A4 regarding size are loaded on the tray #1, tray open/close
authority is imparted regarding A3 size sheets and print authority
also is imparted thereto in the table in FIG. 7A, tray open/close
authority is imparted regarding plain paper and print authority
also is imparted thereto in the table in FIG. 7B, and tray
open/close authority is imparted regarding tray #1 and print
authority also is imparted thereto in the table in FIG. 7C, so tray
open/close is permitted as illustrated in FIG. 7E for the tray #1,
and printing is permitted as illustrated in FIG. 7F. A screen
display of sheet size A4 loaded on this tray is overlaid on the
tray #1 portion, as illustrated in FIG. 7G. Further, the sheet size
A3 is selectable in the sheet selection screen.
[0113] Also for example, sheets that are heavy paper regarding type
and B5 regarding size are loaded on the tray #3, tray open/close
authority is imparted regarding B5 size sheets and print authority
also is imparted thereto in the table in FIG. 7A, tray open/close
authority is imparted regarding heavy paper and print authority
also is imparted thereto in the table in FIG. 7B, and neither tray
open/close authority nor print authority is imparted regarding tray
#3 in the table in FIG. 7C, so tray open/close of the tray #3 is
forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 7E and printing is also forbidden
as illustrated in FIG. 7F. A screen display of sheet size B5 loaded
here is not overlaid on the portion of tray #1, as illustrated in
FIG. 7G. Further, the sheet size B5 is not selectable in the sheet
selection screen, if not selectable with regard to another
tray.
Seventh Embodiment
[0114] FIGS. 8A through 8G illustrate a case where there is a tray
where sheets of an original sheet type are loaded, in a case of
deciding final authority by a combination of the three of authority
assigned to trays, authority related to sheet type, and authority
related to sheet size (i.e., in a case where authority is imparted
only in a case where all three authorities have been imparted,
although this is not restrictive).
[0115] In a case where there are settings of authority regarding
sheet size and sheet type such as illustrated in FIGS. 8A through
8C (and particularly there are settings of authority such as
illustrated in FIG. 8B regarding the original sheet type), and
sheets distinguished by type and size are loaded on the trays as
illustrated in FIG. 8D, an arrangement may be made where tray
open/close authority is decided as illustrated in FIG. 8E, and
printing authority is decided as illustrated in FIG. 8F. A screen
display for sheet sizes is also decided, as illustrated in FIG. 8G.
Also, sheet sizes displayed overlaid on a tray in FIG. 8G are
displayed as selectable sheet sizes in the sheet size selection
screen.
[0116] Settings may be made such that final authority regarding
tray opening/closing of a tray is imparted in a case where all of
the tray open/close authority directly set to the tray, the tray
open/close authority directly set to the type of sheets loaded on
the tray, and the tray open/close authority set to the size of
sheets loaded on the tray are imparted, as illustrated in FIG. 8E.
Note that this is not restrictive, however, and that an arrangement
may be made where final tray open/close authority is imparted in a
case where one or two thereof is imparted. Also, settings may be
made such that final authority for printing regarding a tray is
imparted in a case where all of the printing authority directly set
to the tray, the printing authority directly set to the type of
sheets loaded on the tray, and the printing authority set to the
size of sheets loaded on the tray are imparted, as illustrated in
FIG. 8F. Note that this is not restrictive, however, and that an
arrangement may be made where final printing authority is imparted
in a case where one or two thereof is imparted. Further, the size
of sheets loaded on a tray that can be opened/closed and can be
printed from is d splayed overlaid on that tray, as illustrated in
FIG. 8G. Moreover, the size of sheets loaded on a tray that can be
printed from is selectable, regardless of whether that tray can be
opened/closed.
[0117] Further, in a case where the type of a sheet loaded on a
tray is an original sheet type, the final tray open/close authority
regarding the tray may be decided based on both of the tray
open/close authority directly set to the tray and the tray
open/close authority directly set regarding the type of the sheet
loaded on the tray, as illustrated in FIG. 8D. Moreover, in a case
where the type of a sheet loaded on a tray is an original sheet
type, the final print authority regarding the tray may be decided
based on both of the printing authority directly set to the tray
and the printing authority directly set regarding the type of the
sheet loaded on the tray, as illustrated in FIG. 8E.
[0118] For example, sheets that are original #1 regarding sheet
type are loaded on the tray #2, and tray open/close authority is
imparted regarding sheets that are original #1 loaded on the tray
#2 and print authority also is imparted thereto in the table in
FIG. 8B, and tray open/close authority and print authority are
imparted to the tray #2 in the table in FIG. 8C, so tray open/close
is permitted as illustrated in FIG. 8E for the tray #2, and
printing as permitted as illustrated in FIG. 8F. A screen display
of original #1 loaded on this tray is overlaid on the tray #2
portion, as illustrated in FIG. 8G.
[0119] Also for example, sheets that are original #2 regarding
sheet type are loaded on the tray #3, and neither tray open/close
authority nor print authority is imparted regarding the original #2
loaded on the tray #3 in the table in FIG. 8B, and also neither
tray open/close authority nor print authority is imparted regarding
the tray #3 in the table in FIG. 8C, so tray open/close is
forbidden as illustrated in FIG. 8F and printing is also forbidden
as illustrated in FIG. 8G. A screen display of the sheet type
original #2 loaded on this tray is not overlaid on the tray #3
portion, as illustrated in FIG. 8G.
Eighth Embodiment
[0120] The final authority may be decided by a combination of the
two of authority assigned to trays and authority assigned to sheet
types, or the final authority may be decided by a combination of
the two of authority assigned to trays and authority assigned to
sheet sizes.
Ninth Embodiment
[0121] In the above-described embodiments, authority regarding
permitting/forbidding of printing, to be directly assigned to
trays, is set for each user. Similarly, authority regarding
permitting/forbidding of printing, to be assigned to sheet sizes,
is set for each user. Also similarly, authority regarding
permitting/forbidding of printing, to be assigned to sheet types,
is set for each user.
[0122] In the present embodiment at least one type of authority to
of the above three types of authority is held in common among
users. For example, permitting/forbidding of printing, to be
directly assigned to each tray, is held in common among users. Even
if part of the authority is held in common among users, the final
authority of each user regarding trays can be differentiated
overall by setting other authorities to be combined therewith
(e.g., authority regarding permitting/forbidding of printing to be
set for each sheet type for the users) for each user, and security
can be secured.
[0123] The aforementioned equally applies to authority relating to
permitting/forbidding of tray open/close to be directly assigned to
trays, authority relating to permitting/forbidding of sheet feed
tray open/close to be assigned to sheet sizes, and authority
relating to permitting/forbidding of sheet feed tray open/close to
be assigned to sheet types.
Common Embodiment
[0124] Next, an image of a multifunction peripheral is displayed on
the settings screen as illustrated in FIG. 9. Sizes of sheets
loaded on trays of the multifunction peripheral can be displayed
overlaid on the respective trays. In reality, sheet sizes are d
splayed overlaid only on trays where tray open/close authority and
print authority have been imparted, as illustrated in FIG. 10. In
the example in FIG. 10, at least one of tray open/close authority
and print authority has not been imparted to the tray #4, so sheet
size is not displayed overlaid. Both tray open/close authority and
print authority have been imparted to trays #1 through #3 and #5,
so sheet sizes are displayed overlaid.
[0125] Description has been made above regarding an example where a
screen display is made in which sheet sizes are displayed overlaid
on trays where the sheets are loaded only in a case where tray
authority has been imparted regarding opening/closing of the tray,
and authority to print has also been imparted. However, in another
example, an arrangement may be made where in which sheet sizes are
displayed overlaid on trays where the sheets are loaded if print
authority has been imparted, even if tray open/close authority for
that tray has not been imparted.
[0126] Next, operations will be described. With reference to FIG.
11A, upon user authentication having been completed (step S301), an
authority table is searched based on the user ID, and if the user
is a user that has tray open/close authority (Yes in step S303), a
tray open/close flag for permitting tray open/close is set (step
S305), while if the user is a user that does not have tray
open/close authority (No in step S303), the tray open/close flag is
reset to (orbit tray open/close (step S307). Next, if the user is a
user that has print authority (Yes in step S309), a print flag is
set to permit printing (step S311), while if the user is not a user
that has print authority (No in step S309), the print flag is reset
to forbid printing (step S313).
[0127] With reference to FIG. 11B, when a tray open/close button is
pressed (step S321), if the tray open/close flag has been set and
indicates that tray open/close is permitted (Yes in step S323), the
state transitions to a state where tray open/close can be performed
(step S325), while if the tray open/close flag has been reset and
indicates that tray open/close is forbidden. (No in step S323), a
message is displayed that tray open/close is not able to be
performed (step S327).
[0128] With reference to FIG. 11C, when receiving a print request
(step S331), if the print flag has been set and indicates that
printing is permitted (Yes in step S333), printing is executed
(step S335). If the print flag has been reset and indicates that
printing is forbidden (No in step S333), a message is displayed
that printing is not able to be performed (step S337).
Operations of First Embodiment
[0129] Next, operations in a case where users have tray open/close
authority and print authority for individual trays will be
described. With reference to FIG. 12A, upon user authentication
having been completed (step S341), the authority table is searched
based on the user ID, and if the user is a user that has tray
open/close authority (Yes in step S343), a tray open/close flag for
permitting tray open/close is set, and thereafter open/close
permission information for each tray is obtained (step S345), while
if the user is a user that does not have tray open/close authority
(No in step S343), the tray open/close flag is reset to forbit tray
open/close (step S347). Next, if the user is a user that has print
authority (Yes in step S349), print permission information is
obtained to permit printing for each tray (step S351), while if the
user is not a user that has print authority (No in step S349), the
print flag is reset to forbid printing (step S353).
[0130] With reference to FIG. 12B, when a tray open/close button
provided for each tray is pressed (step S361), if the tray
open/close flag has been reset and indicates that tray open/close
is forbidden (Yes in step S363), a message is displayed that tray
open/close is not able to be performed (step S367). If the tray
open/close flag has been set and indicates that tray open/close is
permitted (No in step S363), and judgement is made that
opening/closing of this tray has been forbidden based on the
open/close permission information corresponding to this tray (Yes
in step S365), a message is displayed that tray open/close is not
able to be performed (step S367). If judgement is made that
opening/closing of this tray has been permitted based on the
open/close permission information corresponding to this tray (No in
step S365), the state transitions to a state where tray open/close
can be performed (step S369).
[0131] With reference to FIG. 12C, when receiving a print request
(step S371), if the print flag has been reset and indicates that
printing is forbidden (Yes in step S373), a message is displayed
that printing is not able to be performed (step S377). If the print
flag has been set and indicates that printing is permitted (No in
step S373), and judgement is made that printing using sheets of
this tray has been forbidden based on the print permission
information corresponding to this tray (Yes in step S375), a
message is displayed that printing is not able to be performed
(step S377). If judgement is made that printing using sheets of
this tray has been permitted based on the print permission
information corresponding to this tray (No in step S375), printing
using sheets of this tray is executed (step S379).
Operations of Second Embodiment
[0132] Next, operations in a case where users have tray open/close
authority and print authority for individual sheet types will be
described. With reference to FIG. 13A, upon user authentication
having been completed (step S381), the authority table is searched
based on the user ID, and if the user is a user that has tray
open/close authority (Yes in step S383), a tray open/close flag for
permitting tray open/close is set, and thereafter open/close
permission information for each sheet type is obtained (step S385),
while if the user is a user that does not have tray open/close
authority (No in step S383), the tray open/close flag is reset to
forbit tray open/close (step S387). Next, if the user is a user
that has print authority (Yes in step S389), print permission
information is obtained to permit printing for each sheet type
(step S391), while if the user is not a user that has print
authority (No in step S389), the print flag is reset to forbid
printing (step S393).
[0133] With reference to FIG. 13B, when a tray open/close button
provided for each tray is pressed (step S401), if the tray
open/close flag has been reset and indicates that tray open/close
is forbidden (Yes in step S403), a message is displayed that tray
open/close is not able to be performed (step S407). If the tray
open/close flag has been set and indicates that tray open/close is
permitted (No in step S403), and judgement is made that
opening/closing of this tray has been forbidden based on the
open/close permission information corresponding to the type of
sheets loaded on this tray (Yes in step S405), a message is
displayed that tray open/close is not able to be performed (step
S407). If judgement is made that opening/closing of this tray has
been permitted based on the open/close permission information
corresponding to the type of sheets loaded on this tray (No in step
S405), the state transitions to a state where open/close of this
tray can be performed (step S409).
[0134] With reference to FIG. 13C, when receiving a print request
(step S411), if the print flag has been reset and indicates that
printing is forbidden (Yes in step S413), a message is displayed
that printing is not able to be performed (step S417). If the print
flag has been set and indicates that printing is permitted (No in
step S413), and judgement is made that printing using sheets of
this tray has been forbidden based on the print information
corresponding to the type of sheets loaded on this tray (Yes in
step S415), a message is displayed that printing is not able to be
performed (step S417). If judgement is made that printing using
sheets of this tray has been permitted based on the print
permission information corresponding to the type of sheets loaded
on this tray (No in step S415), printing using sheets of this tray
is executed (step S419).
Operations of Third Embodiment
[0135] Next, operations in a case where users have tray open/close
authority and print authority for individual sheet sizes will be
described. With reference to FIG. 14A, upon user authentication
having been completed (step S421), the authority table is searched
based on the user ID, and if the user is a user that has tray
open/close authority (Yes in step S423), a tray open/close flag is
set, and thereafter open/close permission information for each
sheet size is obtained (step S425), while if the user is a user
that does not have tray open/close authority (No in step S423), the
tray open/close flag is reset to forbit tray open/close (step
S427). Next, if the user is a user that has print authority (Yes in
step S429), print permission information is obtained to permit
printing for each sheet size (step S431), while if the user is not
a user that has print authority (No in step S429), the print flag
is reset to forbid printing (step S433).
[0136] With reference to FIG. 14B, when a tray open/close button
provided for each tray is pressed (step S461), if the tray
open/close flag has been reset and indicates that tray open/close
is forbidden (Yes in step S463), a message is displayed that tray
open/close is not able to be performed (step S467). If the tray
open/close flag has been set and indicates that tray open/close is
permitted (No in step S463), and judgement is made that
opening/closing of this tray has been forbidden based on the
open/close permission information corresponding to the size of
sheets loaded on this tray (Yes in step S465), a message is
displayed that tray open/close is not able to be performed (step
S467). If judgement is made that opening/closing of this tray has
been permitted based on the open/close permission information
corresponding to the size of sheets loaded on this tray (No in step
S465), the state transitions to a state where the tray can be
opened/closed (step S469).
[0137] With reference to FIG. 14C, when receiving a print request
(step S471), if the print flag has been reset and indicates that
printing is forbidden (Yes in step S473), a message is displayed
that printing is not able to be performed (step S477). If the print
flag has been set and indicates that printing is permitted (No in
step S473), and judgement is made that printing using sheets of
this tray has been forbidden based on the print permission
information corresponding to the size of sheets loaded on this tray
(Yes in step S475), a message is displayed that printing is not
able to be performed (step S477). If judgement is made that
printing using sheets of this tray has been permitted based on the
print permission information corresponding to the size of sheets
loaded on this tray (No in step S475), printing using sheets of
this tray is executed (step S479).
Operations of Fourth Embodiment
[0138] Next, an example of operations in a case where users have
tray open/close authority and print authority for individual sheet
types and individual sheet sizes will be described. With reference
to FIG. 15, upon user authentication having been completed (step
S421), the authority table is searched based on the user ID, and if
the user is a user that has tray open/close authority (Yes in step
S423), a tray open/close flag for permitting tray open/close is
set, and thereafter open/close permission information for each
sheet type and open/close permission information for each sheet
size are obtained (steps S483 and S425), while if the user is a
user that does not have tray open/close authority (No in step
S423), the tray open/close flag is reset to forbit tray open/close
(step S427). Next, if the user is a user that has print authority
(Yes in step S429), print permission information is obtained to
permit printing for each sheet size (step S431), while if the user
is not a user that has print authority (No in step S429), the print
flag is reset to forbid printing (step S433).
[0139] With reference to FIG. 14E, when the tray open/close button
is pressed (step S461), if the tray open/close flag has been reset
and indicates that tray open/close is forbidden (Yes in step S463),
a message is displayed that tray open/close is not able to be
performed (step S467). If the tray open/close flag has been set and
indicates that tray open/close is permitted (No in step S463), and
judgement is made that opening/closing of this tray has been
forbidden based on the open/close permission information
corresponding to the size of sheets loaded on this tray (Yes in
step S465), a message is displayed that tray open/close is not able
to be performed (step S467). If judgement is made that
opening/closing of this tray has been permitted based on the
open/close permission information corresponding to the type of
sheets and the open/close permission information corresponding to
the size of sheets loaded on this tray (No in step S465), the state
transitions to a state where the tray can be opened/closed (step
S469).
[0140] With reference to FIG. 14C, when receiving a print request
(step S471), if the print flag has been reset and indicates that
printing is forbidden (Yes in step S473), a message is displayed
that printing is not able to be performed (step S477). If the print
flag has been set and indicates that printing is permitted (No in
step S473), and judgement is made that printing using sheets of
this tray has been forbidden based on the print permission
information corresponding to the size of sheets loaded on this tray
(Yes in step S475), a message is displayed that printing is not
able to be performed (step S477). If judgement is made that
printing using sheets of this tray has been permitted based on the
print permission information corresponding to the type of sheets
loaded on this tray (No in step S475), printing using sheets of
this tray is executed (step S479).
Operations of Fifth Embodiment
[0141] The operations of the fifth embodiment are similar to the
operations of the fourth embodiment, but differ with regard to the
following point. In step S465 in the fourth embodiment, judgement
is made regarding whether or not opening/closing of the tray is
permitted based on open/close permission information corresponding
to the type of sheets and open/close permission information
corresponding to the size of sheets loaded on the tray. In the
fifth embodiment, with regard to trays where sheets of original
sheet types are loaded, judgement is made regarding whether or not
opening/closing of the tray is permitted based on open/close
permission information corresponding to an original sheet type,
instead of open/close permission information corresponding to the
type of sheets and open/close permission information corresponding
to the size of sheets loaded on the tray.
Operations of Sixth Embodiment
[0142] Next, another example of operations in a case where users
have tray open/close authority and print authority for individual
sheet sizes and individual sheet types will be described. With
reference to FIG. 16, upon user authentication having been
completed (step S421), the authority table is searched based on the
user ID, and if the user is a user that has tray open/close
authority (Yes in step S423), a tray open/close flag for permitting
tray open/close is set, and thereafter open/close permission
information for each tray, open/close permission information for
each sheet type, and open/close information for each sheet size are
obtained (steps S485, S487, and S425), while if the user is a user
that does not have tray open/close authority (No in step S423), the
tray open/close flag is reset to forbit tray open/close (step
S427). Next, if the user is a user that has print authority (Yes in
step S429), print permission information is obtained to permit
printing for each sheet size (step S431), while if the user is not
a user that has print authority (No in step S429), the print flag
is reset to forbid printing (step S433).
[0143] With reference to FIG. 14B, when the tray open/close button
is pressed (step S461), if the tray open/close flag has been reset
and indicates that tray open/close is forbidden (Yes in step S463),
a message is displayed that tray open/close is not able to be
performed (step S467). If the tray open/close flag has been set and
indicates that tray open/close is permitted (No in step S463), and
judgement is made that opening/closing of this tray has been
forbidden based on the open/close permission information
corresponding to the size of sheets loaded on this tray (Yes in
step S465), a message is displayed that tray open/close is not able
to be performed (step S467). If judgement is made that
opening/closing of this tray has been permitted based on the
open/close permission information for each tray, the open/close
permission information for each sheet type corresponding to this
tray, and the open/close permission information for each sheet size
corresponding to this tray, (No in step S465), the state
transitions to a state where the tray can be opened/closed (step
S469).
[0144] With reference to FIG. 14C, when receiving a print request
(step S471), if the print flag has been reset and indicates that
printing is forbidden (Yes in step S473), a message is displayed
that printing is not able to be performed (step S477). If the print
flag has been set and indicates that printing is permitted (No in
step S473), and judgement is made that printing using sheets of
this tray has been forbidden based on the print permission
information for each tray, the print permission information for
each sheet type corresponding to this tray, and the print
permission information for each sheet size corresponding to this
tray, (Yes in step S475), a message is displayed that printing is
not able to be performed (step S477). If judgement is made that
printing using sheets of this tray has been permitted based on the
print permission information for each tray, and the print
permission information corresponding to the size of sheets and
print permission information for each type of sheets loaded
corresponding to tray (No in step S475), printing using sheets of
this tray is executed (step S479).
Operations of Seventh Embodiment
[0145] The operations of the seventh embodiment are similar to the
operations of the sixth embodiment, but differ with regard to the
following point. In step S465 in the sixth embodiment, judgement is
made regarding whether or not opening/closing of the tray is
permitted based on the print permission information for each tray,
the print permission information for each sheet type corresponding
to this tray, and the print permission information for each sheet
size corresponding to this tray. In the seventh embodiment,
judgement is made regarding whether or not opening/closing of the
tray is permitted based on open/close permission information
corresponding to an original sheet type, instead of print
permission information for each tray, and print permission
information for the type of sheets corresponding to this tray and
print permission information for the size of sheets corresponding
to this tray.
Operations of Common Embodiment
[0146] Next, a method of control for displaying sheet sizes
overlaid on the tray portions in the image of the multifunction
peripheral displayed on the operating screen, and control for
deciding which sheet sizes to display overlaid in the sheet size
selection screen, will be described. With reference to FIG. 17, the
following processing from step S541S through step S541E is repeated
for all trays.
[0147] If tray open/close is permitted for a tray regarding which
the current repetition is being performed (Yes in step S543), and
printing is permitted as well (Yes in step S545), settings are made
to display overlaid the size of sheets loaded on this tray at the
portion of this tray displayed in the operating screen (step S547),
and subsequently, the size of the sheets loaded on this tray is set
as a sheet size that is selectable in the sheet size selection
screen (step S549). Otherwise (No in step S543 or No in step S545),
settings are made to not display the size of sheets loaded on this
tray at the portion of this tray displayed in the operating screen
(step S551). The sheet size set in step S549 as being a sheet size
that is selectable is displayed as a selectable sheet size when
actually displaying the sheet size selection screen.
[0148] Although omitted from illustration, an arrangement may be
made where, if tray open/close is permitted for a tray regarding
which the current repetition is being performed and printing is
permitted as well, in the same way, settings are made to display
overlaid the type of sheets loaded on this tray at the portion of
this tray displayed in the operating screen, and subsequently the
type of the sheets loaded on this tray is set as a sheet size that
is selectable in the sheet type selection screen. Otherwise,
settings are made to not display overlaid the type of sheets loaded
on this tray at the portion of this tray displayed in the operating
screen. In this case, the sheet type set as being a sheet type that
is selectable is displayed as a selectable sheet type when actually
displaying the sheet type selection screen.
[0149] Further, an arrangement may be made where, in a case where
there are no sheets in a tray, or the actual size of sheets differs
from the sheet size settings, that tray is unlocked.
Configuration of Common Embodiment
[0150] FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the configuration and so forth of
a multifunction peripheral 800 according to the common embodiment.
The multifunction peripheral 800 has a document reader 820 that
reads images from documents, a multifunction peripheral main unit
(image forming unit main unit) 830, an operating panel unit 843 for
operating the document reader 820 and multifunction peripheral main
unit 830, and a computation processing unit 841 that controls the
document reader 820 and multifunction peripheral main unit 830
based on operations made at the operating panel unit 843, as
illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19.
[0151] The document reader 820 may be used alone to read images,
the multifunction peripheral main unit 830 may be used alone to
form images, and these may be used cooperatively to copy images.
The multifunction peripheral 800 may also include a storage device
and facsimile device that are omitted from illustration. The
storage device can store images read by the document reader 820 or
image s received by the facsimile device. The facsimile device can
transmit images read by the document reader 820 and images stored
in the storage device, and can externally receive images. Further,
the multifunction peripheral 800 may include an interface for
connecting to a personal computer via a network. The personal
computer connected to the multifunction peripheral 800 can use
functions of the multifunction peripheral with regard to data that
it can manage.
[0152] The document reader 820 has an automatic document feeder 824
that is a single-pass feeder (SPF) and a reader main unit 822 that
reads images of documents. Note that the document reader 820
includes besides the components illustrated in FIG. 19, components
that are not illustrated in FIG. 19 but are illustrated in FIG. 18.
The reader main unit 822 also includes a platen 826, as illustrated
in FIG. 18.
[0153] The multifunction peripheral main unit 830 includes a sheet
feeding unit 10 that feeds sheets, a manual sheet feed unit 20
capable of manually feeding sheets, and an image forming unit 30
that forms images on sheets fed by the sheet feeding unit 10 or
manual sheet feed unit 20.
[0154] The sheet feeding unit 10 has a sheet loading unit 11 where
sheets are loaded, and a separating-and-feeding unit 12 that
separates and feeds sheets loaded on the sheet loading unit 11, one
at a time. The sheet loading unit 11 has an intermediate plate 14
that pivots on a rotation shaft 13, and the intermediate plate 14
pivots when feeding sheets to raise the sheets upwards. The
separating-and-feeding unit 12 has a pickup roller 15 that feeds
sheets raised by the intermediate plate 14, and a separating roller
pair 16 that separates sheets fed by the pickup roller 15 into
individual sheets.
[0155] The control unit 20 has a manual feed tray #21 on which
sheets can be loaded, and a separating-and-feeding unit 22 that
separates and feeds sheets loaded on the manual feed tray #21 one
at a time. The manual feed tray #21 is pivotably supported by the
multifunction peripheral main unit 830, and sheets can be loaded
thereupon by fixing to a predetermined angle when performing manual
sheet feeding. The separating-and-feeding unit 22 has a pickup
roller 23 that feeds sheets loaded on the manual feed tray #21, and
a separating roller 24 and separating pad 25 that separates the
sheets fed by the pickup roller 23 into individual sheets.
[0156] The image forming unit 30 has four process cartridges 31Y
through 31K that form images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C),
and black (K), later-described photosensitive drums 740Y through
740K, an exposing device 32 that exposes the surfaces of the
photosensitive drums 740Y through 740K, a transfer unit 33 that
transfers toner images formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive
drums 740Y through 740K onto sheets, and a fixing unit 34 that
fixes the transferred toner images onto the sheets. Note that the
letters (Y, M, C, K) appended to the reference numerals indicate
the respective colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, black).
[0157] The four process cartridges 31Y through 31K are configured
to be detachable from the multifunction peripheral main unit 830
and be replaced. Note that the four process cartridges 31Y through
31K are of the same configuration other than the color of images
that are formed, so description will be made regarding the
configuration of the process cartridge 31Y that forms yellow (Y)
images, and description of the process cartridges 31M through 31K
will be omitted.
[0158] The process cartridge 31Y includes the photosensitive drum
740Y that serves as an image bearing member, a charging unit 741Y
that charges the photosensitive drum 740Y, a developing device 742Y
that develops electrostatic latent images formed on the
photosensitive drum 740Y, and a drum cleaner that removes residual
toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum 740Y. The
developing device 742Y includes a developing device main unit (not
illustrated in detail) that develops the photosensitive drum 740Y
and a toner cartridge (not illustrated in detail) that supplies
toner to the developing device main unit. The toner cartridge is
configured so as to be detachable mounted to the developing device
main unit, and can be removed from the developing device main unit
and replaced when toner accommodated therein is spent.
[0159] The exposing device 32 has a light source (omitted from
illustration) that emits laser beams, and multiple mirrors (omitted
from illustration) that guide the laser beams to the photosensitive
drums 740Y through 740K. The transfer unit 33 has an intermediate
transfer belt 35 that bears toner images formed at the
photosensitive drums 740Y through 740K, primary transfer rollers
36Y through 36K that perform primary transfer of the toner images
formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y through 740K onto the
intermediate transfer belt 35, a secondary transfer roller 37 that
performs secondary transfer of toner images, transferred onto the
intermediate transfer belt 35, onto sheets, and a belt cleaner 38
that removes residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 35.
The intermediate transfer belt 35 runs over a driving roller 39a
and a slave roller 39b, and is pressed against the photosensitive
drums 740Y through 740K by the primary transfer rollers 36Y through
36K. The secondary transfer roller 37 nips the intermediate
transfer belt 35 between itself and the driving roller 39a, and
transfers toner images borne by the intermediate transfer belt 35
onto sheets at a nip portion N. The fixing unit 34 has a heating
roller 34a that heats sheets, and a pressuring roller 34b that is
pressed against the heating roller 34a.
[0160] The operating panel unit 843 has a display unit 845 that
displays predetermined information, and an input unit 847 for input
of instructions by the user to the document reader 820 and
multifunction peripheral main unit 830. In the present embodiment,
the operating panel unit 843 is situated at the front side of the
reader main unit 822. Note that the front side corresponds to the
near side at the plane of the drawing in FIG. 18, and the rear side
corresponds to the far side in FIG. 18.
[0161] The computation processing unit 841 includes a CPU 841a that
performs driving control of the sheet feeding unit 10, manual sheet
feed unit 20, image forming unit 30, and document reader 820, and
memory 841b that stores various types of programs for operating the
CPU 841a and various types of information and so forth that the CPU
841a uses, as illustrated in FIG. 19. The computation processing
unit 841 centrally controls the operations of the sheet feeding
unit 10, manual sheet feed unit 20, image forming unit 30, and
document reader 820, based on user operations at the operating
panel unit 843, and forms images on sheets.
[0162] Next, image forming operations by the multifunction
peripheral 800 configured as described above (image forming control
by the computation processing unit 841) will be described. In the
present embodiment, description will be made by way of an example
of image forming operations, where images of documents to be read,
fed by the automatic document feeder 824 and read by the reader
main unit 822, are formed by the image forming unit 30 on sheets
fed by the sheet feeding unit 10.
[0163] Upon an image forming start signal being emitted by user
input at the input unit 847 of the operating panel 843, a document
to be read, that is loaded on the automatic document feeder 824 by
the user, is automatically fed toward a document reading position,
and an image is read by the reader main unit 822 at the document
reading position.
[0164] Upon an image of a document having been read by the reader
main unit 822, the exposing device 32 emits multiple laser beams
toward the photosensitive drums 740Y through 740K, corresponding to
each, based on the image information of the document that has been
read. The photosensitive drums 740Y through 740K have been charged
beforehand by the charging units 741Y through 741K, and respective
electrostatic latent images are formed on the photosensitive drums
740Y through 740K by being irradiated by the corresponding laser
beams. Subsequently, the electrostatic latent images formed on the
photosensitive drums 740Y through 740K are developed by the
respective developing devices 742Y through 742K, and toner images
of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are formed on
the photosensitive drums 740Y through 740K. The toner images of the
respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 740Y through
740K are transferred overlaid on the intermediate transfer belt 35
by the primary transfer rollers 36Y through 36K, and the toner
image that has been transferred overlaid (full-color toner image)
is conveyed to the nip portion N, borne by the intermediate
transfer belt 35.
[0165] In conjunction with the above-described image forming
operations, sheets loaded on the sheet loading unit 11 are
separated into individual sheets by the separating-and-feeding unit
12 and fed to a sheet conveyance path 26 by the pickup roller 15.
Skewing of sheets is corrected by a register roller pair 27
upstream of the nip portion N in the direction of conveyance of
sheets, and the sheets are conveyed to the nip portion N at a
predetermined conveyance timing. The full-color toner image borne
by the intermediate transfer belt 35 is transferred by the
secondary transfer roller 37 onto a sheet conveyed to the nip
portion N.
[0166] The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is
heated and pressurized at the fixing unit 34, whereby the toner
image is fused, and the sheet is discharged to outside of the
device by a discharge roller pair 18. Sheets discharged to the
outside of the device are loaded on a discharged sheet loading
portion 19.
[0167] Note that in a case where images are to be formed on both
faces of a sheet (first face and second face), the discharge roller
pair 18 is rotated in reverse before the sheet on which an image
has been formed on the first face is discharged to outside of the
device, so as to convey the sheet to a duplex conveyance path 17,
and convey the sheet to the image forming unit 30 again over the
duplex conveyance path 17. An image is formed on the second face in
the same way as on the first face, and the sheet is discharged to
outside of the device. The sheet discharged to the outside of the
device is loaded on the discharged sheet loading portion 19.
[0168] Note that the above-described image forming device can be
realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The
control method of the above-described image forming device can also
be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The
term realized by software means to be realized by a computer
reading in and executing a program.
[0169] Programs can be stored in various types of non-transitory
computer readable media, and supplied to a computer. Non-transitory
computer readable media include various types of tangible storage
media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include
magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tape, hard
disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g.,
magneto-optical discs), compact disc (CD) read-only memory (ROM),
CD-read (R), CD-read/write (R/W), and semiconductor memory (e.g.,
mask EON, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash
ROM, random access memory (RAM)). Programs can also be stored in
various types of transitory computer readable media, and supplied
to a computer. Examples of transitory computer readable media
include electric signals, light signals, and electromagnetic waves.
Transitory computer readable media can supply programs to a
computer via cabled communication paths such as electric wires,
optical fiber, and so forth, or via wireless communication
paths.
[0170] According to the present embodiment, users do not have to
carry keys for unlocking trays.
[0171] Also, control of permitting/forbidding of tray
opening/closing and permitting/forbidding of printing can be easily
performed by user authentication.
[0172] Further, in a case where sizes and types of sheets loaded on
trays are changed, permitting/forbidding of tray opening/closing
and permitting/forbidding of printing regarding these trays can be
switched accordingly.
[0173] Control of permitting/forbidding of tray opening/closing and
permitting/forbidding of printing can be switched according to the
user. Further, after having made settings for each user for this
control, the settings can be changed at a later time.
[0174] The present disclosure can be carried out in various forms
without departing from the spirit and features thereof.
Accordingly, the above-described embodiments should be understood
to be only exemplary, and should not be interpreted restrictively.
The scope of the present disclosure is laid forth in the Claims,
and is not restricted by the text of the Specification in any way.
Further, it should be noted that all modifications and alterations
made within a scope equivalent to the scope of the Claims are
encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure.
[0175] The present disclosure is applicable to control of
permitting/forbidding of tray opening/closing in an image forming
device. The present disclosure is also applicable to control of
permitting/forbidding of printing in an image forming device.
[0176] The present disclosure contains subject matter related to
that disclosed in Japanese Priority Patent Application JP
2017-222859 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Nov. 20, 2017, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0177] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that
various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and
alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other
factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims
or the equivalents thereof.
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